According to a report from the Philippine side on the 23rd, the Presidential Palace has approved Vice President Sara Duterte’s application for leave to travel abroad. As planned, Sara is scheduled to go on leave to the Netherlands, South Korea, Belgium, Germany, and the United Kingdom from April 23 to May 15, and this trip will not incur any government expenses.

It is reported that Sara’s overseas travel is occurring at a particularly sensitive time, coinciding with the critical period when the Philippine House of Representatives is reviewing her impeachment case. Currently, the Senate is preparing to receive the impeachment case from the House. Senate President Vicente Sotto recently stated that if the House can complete the submission of the impeachment case by May 4, the Senate could convene senators that same day to form an impeachment court and formally initiate impeachment proceedings.

In the Philippine House of Representatives, pro-government lawmakers hold an absolute majority. In the 2025 impeachment case against Sara, the House quickly voted to approve the impeachment and submitted it to the Senate for trial. In July of the same year, the Philippine Supreme Court announced that it would terminate the impeachment proceedings due to constitutional violations in the process. Philippine analysts believe that the probability of this impeachment case being submitted to the Senate remains high.

Sara is the eldest daughter of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and announced in February this year that she would run in the 2028 Philippine presidential election.

Currently, Duterte also faces a difficult situation. The International Criminal Court, based in The Hague, Netherlands, announced on the 23rd that it will try him on three charges of so-called “crimes against humanity.” The court launched an investigation in 2018 into whether there were human rights violations in the anti-drug operations led by Duterte, and Duterte was arrested in 2025.

Presidential Palace

The Presidential Palace is the official residence and workplace of the head of state in many countries, often serving as a symbol of national government and history. Its specific history varies by location, but many such palaces were originally built as royal or imperial residences before being repurposed for political use. For example, the Presidential Palace in Vilnius, Lithuania, dates back to the 14th century and was once a bishop’s palace before becoming a seat of government.

Netherlands

The Netherlands is a low-lying country in northwestern Europe, famous for its flat landscape of canals, tulip fields, windmills, and cycling routes. Historically, it emerged as a major maritime and economic power during the 17th-century Dutch Golden Age, establishing global trade networks and colonies. Today, it is a constitutional monarchy known for its progressive social policies, vibrant cities like Amsterdam, and significant contributions to art, including masters like Rembrandt and Van Gogh.

South Korea

South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, is a vibrant East Asian nation with a history spanning thousands of years, from ancient kingdoms like Goguryeo and Joseon to its modern division after the Korean War (1950–1953). Today, it is known for its dynamic blend of traditional culture—such as Buddhist temples and hanok villages—and cutting-edge technology, pop culture, and economic power. Major cultural sites include the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul and the UNESCO-listed Jeju volcanic island.

Belgium

Belgium is a small Western European country known for its medieval cities, Renaissance architecture, and as the headquarters of the European Union. Its history includes rule by various powers such as the Romans, Burgundians, Spanish, Austrians, and French before gaining independence in 1830. The country is also famous for its chocolate, beer, and the historic Battle of Waterloo.

Germany

Germany is a Central European country with a rich and complex history, from its origins as a collection of Germanic tribes and the Holy Roman Empire to its unification in 1871. It played a central role in both World Wars and was divided into East and West during the Cold War before reuniting in 1990. Today, Germany is known for its cultural heritage, including landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate and Neuschwanstein Castle, as well as its contributions to philosophy, music, and science.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is a sovereign country located off the northwestern coast of mainland Europe, comprising England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Its history is marked by the unification of these nations over centuries, the expansion of the British Empire, and its role as a global industrial and political power. Today, it is known for its rich cultural heritage, including landmarks like Buckingham Palace and Stonehenge, and its influence on language, law, and democracy worldwide.

International Criminal Court

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is a permanent international tribunal located in The Hague, Netherlands, established to prosecute individuals for genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression. It was created by the Rome Statute, which entered into force on July 1, 2002, marking the first permanent court with global jurisdiction over such grave offenses. The ICC serves as a court of last resort, intervening only when national legal systems are unable or unwilling to prosecute these crimes.

The Hague

The Hague is a city in the Netherlands that serves as the seat of the Dutch government and the country’s constitutional court, though it is not the official capital (Amsterdam holds that title). Historically, it originated as a hunting lodge for Dutch counts in the 13th century and later grew into a political hub. Today, it is known as the “International City of Peace and Justice,” hosting numerous international courts and organizations, including the International Court of Justice.